Ship services between Mumbai and Goa to resume
once again since the last trip approximately 26 years ago. Its a joint
decision of Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to
bring this service back to light again.
A senior official from MMB said, "The service
is expected to start by end of March or April next year, currently we are
evaluating proposals from various shipping companies who have shown interest in
starting the service."
The ship will depart from Ferry Wharf or
Bhaucha Dhakka in Mumbai and will ride up to Goa. The journey will have stops
at various locations. Halts include Dighi in Raigad district, Dabhol and Jaigad
in Ratnagiri district, Vijay Durg and Malvan eventually terminating at Panjim
in Goa.
According to the MMB official, "Service was
closed down in 1989 after boats operating en route were requisitioned by
Indian Navy for its Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka.
Subsequently, boat services could not be launched as Konkan Railway had started
functioning on the route. Mumbai-Goa Highway was widened and air fares became
competitive, making air journeys to Goa affordable for the middle and
upper-middle classes."
During the 80s, ship services from
Mumbai to Goa was the only way to travel. Due to other means of transport, the
demand for ship services decreased. However, the visibility of
the exceptional growth in the number of passengers requires a demand for
Mumbai-Goa regular ship service. Tourists as well as regular
passengers concerned with safety, time and also their budget, have shown
interest, the official added.
MMB officials expect services between Mumbai
and Jaigad to start in January next year. Its great news for people who missed
travelling by ship from Mumbai to Goa. Here is a chance for enthusiasts to be a
part of such journeys.
What a beautiful trip that used to be! Our
older generations would speak all about their journey. The passengers would be
a lively bunch of Goans, tourists, hippies, Konkan coast travellers, all
enjoying it like a family.
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